Two automatic watering systems
If you cannot regularly attend to watering, consider an automatic system which runs from a header tank connected to the mains water supply (or a semi-automatic system which is supplied by a reservoir).
- Capillary watering Pots are placed on water-retentive capillary matting and take up moisture as required. The matting can be laid in gravel trays. Complete watering systems are available, with trays, matting and sometimes water reservoirs.
- Trickle watering Popularly known as the “spaghetti system”: a main plastic supply pipe with thin tubes sprouting from it. Each tube is positioned over a pot or container so every plant is watered when the supply is turned on.
Three composts for pot plants
Use a good proprietary compost for greenhouse plants — not ordinary garden soil.
- Loam-based composts (such as John Innes) These consist of loam, peat and sand, plus fertilizer and chalk. J.I. seed compost should be used for seed sowing. There are three grades of potting compost: No. 1, which is used for pricking off seedlings and potting rooted cuttings; No. 2, formulated for potting young plants on into larger pots; and No. 3, which is a very rich compost, to be used only for very large plants and for final potting of greenhouse chrysanthemums.
- Proprietary soilless composts These usually consist entirely of peat, with fertilizers added. Very clean and light in weight. Seed and potting composts are available. Don’t firm them too much, and avoid overwatering.
- Specialist composts For growing spring-flowering bulbs in bowls (hyacinths, daffodils, tulips) use bulb fibre, which consists mainly of peat. There are special composts available for cacti and succulents. If potting lime-hating plants, such as azaleas and camellias, use an ericaceous compost (one which does not contain lime or chalk).
Four types of cloche
Cloches are low structures generally used on the vegetableplot to cover rows of vegetables, especially early and late sowing. Formerly always made of glass, they are now available in polythene and plastic.They help to warm the soil and protect plants from the elements, thus enabling you to extend the growing season.
- Barn cloche Four glass or clear-plastic sheets held together with special wire clips. The shape resembles a span-roof greenhouse. The barn cloche has plenty of headroom. Several are placed end to end to form a continuous “run” along a row of crops. Close the ends with sheets of glass or rigid plastic.
- Low polythene tunnel Bought in kit form. Consists of a long sheet of clear or white polythene stretched over galvanized-wire hoops. The edges of the polythene are buried in the soil. A comparatively cheap form of cloche which can last for several years if you are careful.
- Tent Two sheets of glass or rigid clear plastic held together with special clips, to form a tent shape. These cloches are placed end to end, as with barn cloches, to form a sheltered tunnel, but they do not have so much headroom. Ideal for small crops such as lettuces.
- Corrugated plastic sheeting Can be bent over rows of crops and anchored with wire hoops.
Three types of garden frame
A garden frame, also known as a cold frame, is a low structure which provides protection for plants. In it you can raise many plants from seeds or cuttings, you can grow early crops of small vegetables such as lettuces and carrots, or you can harden off plants raised in a heated greenhouse, prior to planting them out in the garden.
- Double-span Shaped like a low span-roof greenhouse. Typically 45-60cm/11/2-2ft high at the ridge, sloping to 23— 30cm/9-12in at the sides. Framework may be aluminium or timber. Sides may be solid or glass. Top glass covers either slide or lift for access.
- Dutch lights Useful if you want to make your own garden frame. The frame sides and ends could be constructed of timber or brickwork; then Dutch lights are placed on top. You can have double-span or single-span frames — depending on your DIY skills. Each Dutch light consists of a simple timber framework holding a large pane of horticultural glass. Size is 1.5 x 0.75m/5 x 21/2ft. You may have to search for a supplier.
- Single-span Rather like a low lean-to greenhouse — designed to be placed against a wall. Typically 45-60cm/11/2-2ft high at the back, sloping to 23-30cm/9-12in at the front. Available in timber or aluminium, with solid or glass sides and ends.
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